SIU Simon Institute’s fall 2025 agenda focuses on diplomacy, politics and philanthropy
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Date(s) - 09/09/2025 - 11/10/2025
6:00 pm
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SIU Simon Institute’s fall 2025 agenda focuses on diplomacy, politics and philanthropy
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will bring leaders in diplomacy, politics and philanthropy to campus.
“Consistent with Paul Simon’s vision of the institute, we are bringing to campus a wide range of voices and will consider critical issues this fall: the health of our democracy, the challenge facing American diplomacy and the roles that government, the private sector and philanthropy should play in our future,” said John Shaw, institute director.
The fall schedule includes:
- 6 p.m. Sept. 9, Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium: Ronald McMullen, an ambassador-in-residence at the University of Iowa and a former American diplomat with more than 30 years of service. McMullen will discuss the challenges facing American foreign policy. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Morris Library.
- 6 p.m. Oct. 7, SIU Student Center, Ballroom B: Tim Knight, president of the McCormick Foundation, will deliver the fall Morton-Kenney lecture. Knight will discuss his career in law, journalism and philanthropy. A reception begins at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge.
- 6 p.m. Oct. 27, The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave.: Former Illinois Senator and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Carol Moseley Braun will discuss her career in politics and her new memoir, “Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics.” A reception is set for 5 p.m. at The Varsity.
- 5-7 p.m. Nov. 4, SIU Student Center Ballroom B: The institute is collaborating with the Center for Budget and Tax Accountability to host a wide-ranging discussion about the future of higher education in Illinois. The panelists will be announced soon.
- 6 p.m. Nov. 10, SIU Student Center Ballroom B: Jen Daulby, CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, will discuss her work at CMF to strengthen Congress and foster a culture of collaboration on Capitol Hill. Daulby is a 2002 graduate of SIU Simmons Law School. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge.
In addition, Illinois’ 13th District U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield. will visit the institute this fall as part of its Congressional Conversations series. The 13th Congressional District in central and Southern Illinois comprises Macoupin County and parts of Champaign, Macon, Madison, Piatt, St. Clair and Sangamon counties. The date of her visit will be announced soon.
More information, including a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available.